The 16 Best Bookstores in Chicago Downtown

Open Books is a beloved bookstore located in Chicago that offers a wide range of services and amenities to its customers. From kerbside pickup to delivery, in-store shopping, and in-store pick-up, they cater to various needs. The store is wheelchair-accessible with amenities like wi-fi available for visitors.

Customers rave about Open Books, giving it a stellar rating of 4.9 based on 790 reviews. Here are some key points from their feedback:

• Reasonable pricing on used books sets Open Books apart from other stores in Chicago.
• The vast and well-organized selection of books, along with friendly and helpful staff, creates an enjoyable shopping experience.
• Customers appreciate the excellent condition and fair prices on books.
• Supporting Open Books means supporting children's literacy in underserved communities, making it a meaningful place to shop.

With a commitment to promoting literacy and providing a diverse selection of books, Open Books continues to be a favorite destination for book lovers in the area.

Exile in Bookville is a charming bookstore located in the Fine Arts Building in Chicago. The business offers a range of services, including kerbside pickup, in-store pick-up, and in-store shopping. Their focus on accessibility is evident with a wheelchair-accessible entrance available. Customers can enjoy a quick visit to browse through their collection and make payments using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

With 228 reviews and a remarkable rating of 4.9 stars, customers have praised Exile in Bookville for various reasons. Here are some key points from their feedback:

• A hidden gem in the Loop, with a beautiful store layout and fantastic light. Customers were impressed by the floor-to-ceiling shelves and the unique atmosphere.
• While the space is relatively small, the business effectively utilizes it. Customers appreciated the aesthetics and vibe but noted that it can get busy on weekends.
• Visitors found the collection of books to be incredible and diverse. The staff received praise for their helpfulness and the overall thoughtfulness that goes into maintaining the store.
• Customers also highlighted the warm atmosphere and the well-organized shelves, along with the store's unique offerings like records and bookstore trinkets. Online order services were commended for quick shipping and neat packaging.

This bookstore has garnered a loyal following of book lovers who appreciate its curated collection, cozy ambiance, and friendly staff. If you're in Chicago, a visit to Exile in Bookville is highly recommended for a delightful literary experience.

Sandmeyer's Bookstore is a charming book store located in downtown Chicago. They offer a cozy atmosphere with traditional hardwood floors, creating a unique and inviting experience for book lovers. The bookstore provides a wide selection of books catering to every genre, ensuring that customers can find something they love.

• Very friendly staff, good selection of books, loved the sale section in the back! And the lists of book recs by genre/category were so fun!!
• Great selection and good prices, feels cozy inside and it was actually very quiet so you could take your time to check the books and more around.
• Great bookstore in downtown Chicago. Quaint, great smell (that bookstore smell, if you know what I mean) hardwood floors that creak in spots, giving it character and charm. A great selection of books, anything we could think of was there. I ended up with a number of books and a great afternoon experience with my daughter. They also had banned books! Lol. I thought that was great. There was a children's area as well and the staff was super knowledgeable and friendly the three times I spoke with them.
• I like supporting local bookstores. Sandmeyer's has good variety of books. The interior is rustic with traditional hardwood floors. The sections are clearly labeled.

Customers appreciate the knowledgeable and friendly staff as well as the well-organized sections that make browsing a pleasure. Whether you are looking for a specific book or just want to explore new reads, Sandmeyer's Bookstore is a must-visit destination for book enthusiasts.

Madison Street Books is a charming bookstore located in Chicago, offering a wide selection of books for all ages and interests. The store prides itself on its welcoming and knowledgeable staff who create a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all customers.

• Customers praise the friendly and helpful staff at Madison Street Books, making the shopping experience enjoyable and personalized.
• The variety of children's books and bilingual options cater to diverse audiences, creating a welcoming environment for families.
• Visitors appreciate the cozy ambiance of the bookstore, with comfortable reading chairs and a dedicated feminist section, enhancing the overall experience.

With a rating of 4.9 based on 128 reviews, Madison Street Books has established itself as a beloved destination for book lovers in the area. Whether you're looking for a new novel, attending a book club, or exploring their diverse collection, this bookstore offers something special for everyone.

after-words bookstore is a charming bookstore located in Chicago, IL. They offer a wide selection of books for all ages and interests. The store is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff who are always ready to provide great recommendations. Customers love the diverse collection of books available at after-words bookstore and appreciate the welcoming environment.

Some key points from customer reviews:

• This is a great local book store with kind employees and a wide selection of books.
• The bookstore has a warm atmosphere and is highly recommended for its variety of titles.
• Customers enjoy the accommodating staff and the wonderful selection of books.

If you're in the area, be sure to visit after-words bookstore for a delightful book shopping experience!

Pilsen Community Books is a beloved bookstore located in Chicago, IL. The store offers a vast selection of books, including a dedicated section in Spanish. Customers rave about the well-organized layout, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere.

• I love this bookstore, what a gem in the Pilsen community! There are so many books, and they’re very well-organized. There’s even a children’s section in the back of the store. Most of the books seem to be new or barely used. Today was Independent Bookstore Day so everything was 10% off, I got an awesome haul of books! The staff were also very friendly. I had a wonderful time here!
• Such an amazing place. Really liked the Pilsen Community Books. The book selection was vast. They even have a section in Spanish.
• Wide, unique selection of books and extremely pleasant atmosphere. The staff were friendly and approachable. The book sections are clearly organized and well labeled. Definitely worth the trip! There’s also a nice coffee shop conveniently a few doors down, to stop by after you pick out a new book.
• Very enjoyable little book store. Awesome selection for the size. Large leftist and progressive collection of books and textbooks about a broad spectrum of subjects.

If you're in the area, don't miss out on this special community bookstore experience.

Barnes & Noble College Bookstore in Chicago offers a variety of service options like in-store pick-up, in-store shopping, and more. Customers praise the wheelchair-accessible entrance and the quick visit option for those in a rush. They accept credit cards and NFC mobile payments for convenience.

• Customers appreciate the college bookstore's selection and recommendations.
• Some visitors highlight the cozy atmosphere for reading, studying, and relaxing.
• There are comments about friendly staff, but also some instances of less than satisfactory service.
• A few customers mention the clean facilities and the disappointment of not having a public restroom.

Abraham Lincoln Book Shop, Inc. located in Chicago, IL, is a renowned book store that offers a unique experience for history enthusiasts and book lovers. With a rating of 4.9, it stands out for its exceptional service and collection.

Customers have praised the shop for its remarkable features:

• Absolutely amazing collection of stellar books and historical artifacts.
• Informative videos!
• Phenomenal bookshop.
• Can be hard to find the entrance, first door past green street on the north side of the street.

The shop provides a cozy environment where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War era. The owner, Mr. Weinberg, ensures a personalized experience, making each visit memorable. Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for a good read, Abraham Lincoln Book Shop, Inc. is a must-visit destination.

Barbara's Bookstore is a charming book store located in Chicago. They offer in-store pick-up and in-store shopping services. Customers can expect a quick visit while browsing through a wide selection of books. The store is wheelchair-accessible, making it accessible to all.

With a rating of 4.3, customers have left positive reviews about their experiences at Barbara's Bookstore. Some key points from the reviews include:

• This little bookstore is inside of a hospital campus; the staff is helpful and friendly.
• Wonderful bookstore with excellent staff and nice recommendations.
• Super cute store with a niche selection.
• Nice place for a quick read with friendly staff.

Visit Barbara's Bookstore for a cozy book shopping experience that will leave you satisfied and inspired.

Univ of Chicago Bookstore is a renowned bookstore located in Chicago offering a wide selection of academic books as well as branded University of Chicago clothing and accessories. The bookstore prides itself on its accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible entrances, and makes shopping convenient with quick visits a possibility. Customers can expect a seamless payment experience with options for credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

With a remarkable rating of 4.7, it's no surprise that customers have left glowing reviews of the Univ of Chicago Bookstore. Some key points from the reviews include:

• This bookstore is a hidden gem with a diverse selection of business and finance books.
• It's a great spot for students and alumni to stock up on branded U of C merchandise.
• Customers appreciate the convenient location and quality offerings of the store.
• It is an ideal place for purchasing academic books.

If you're in Chicago and looking for a top-notch bookstore experience, be sure to visit Univ of Chicago Bookstore and discover all it has to offer!

Newberry Bookshop is a charming bookstore located in the heart of Chicago. They offer a wide range of services including delivery, in-store pick-up, and in-store shopping. The store is also wheelchair-accessible with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Customers have left glowing reviews, highlighting the following key points:

• Small but with lots of exhibit-related books and other paraphernalia.
• Abundant amount of books for sale with a beautiful art collection.
• Best bookstore in town with a well-curated selection of historical titles and fun gifts.
• Delightful staff who are helpful in identifying opportunities in the bookstore.

Visit Newberry Bookshop for an unforgettable bookstore experience!

Barbara's Bookstore is a charming bookstore located in the lower level of MACY'S in Chicago. They offer a variety of service options, including in-store pick-up and credit card payments. The bookstore is wheelchair-accessible and LGBTQ+ friendly, providing a welcoming atmosphere for all customers.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

• Limited selection, great location, and knowledgeable staff.
• Small yet enjoyable store with seating to relax and read.
• Reminiscent of the bookstore in "Beauty and the Beast" with friendly staff and great recommendations.

Visit Barbara's Bookstore for a cozy and welcoming bookstore experience, where you can discover new reads and enjoy a peaceful reading corner in the heart of the city.

Northwestern University Abbott Hall Bookstore is a renowned bookstore located at 710 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL. They offer a range of services such as in-store pick-up and accept various payment options including credit cards and debit cards. This bookstore is wheelchair-accessible with a quick visit option for customers' convenience.

Customers have shared their experiences with this bookstore:

• A large selection of NU gear at affordable prices with friendly staff.
• Difficulties in finding the entrance and having a small selection of apparel at slightly elevated prices.
• Issues with service in the past and recommendations to explore other purchasing options.
• Positive feedback on the customer service and available merchandise, suggesting to check prices online for textbooks.

Overall, with a rating of 3.8, the Northwestern University Abbott Hall Bookstore continues to be a popular destination for students and NU enthusiasts alike.

Columbia Bookstore is a charming bookstore located in Chicago, IL. They offer a variety of services and features for their customers, including in-store pick-up and in-store shopping. The store is known for its wheelchair-accessible entrance and the convenience of quick visits.

Customers have left mixed reviews about their experiences at Columbia Bookstore. Some key points from the reviews include:

• Unprofessional behavior from the staff
• Lack of customer service and rude comments from employees
• Friendly and helpful staff with a great selection of books
• Efficient service and assistance from the staff

Overall, the store has a rating of 3.8 stars out of 5. Despite some negative experiences, many customers appreciate the friendly and helpful staff at Columbia Bookstore.

Hudson Booksellers is a charming bookstore located in Downtown Chicago that offers a variety of services and features. Customers can enjoy in-store pick-up and pay with ease using credit cards or debit cards. The bookstore is wheelchair-accessible and welcomes visitors for a quick visit to browse through its selection.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

• Varied book selection
• Great customer service
• Easy and fast purchase process

Whether you're looking for a new read or just want to explore, Hudson Booksellers is the place to be!

Curbside Books, Records, and Wine is a small business located in Chicago that offers a unique combination of services. Customers can enjoy in-store shopping or in-store pick-up of a limited selection of books, records, and wine. Their wheelchair-accessible entrance ensures that all customers can easily access their offerings. Customers have praised the business for the following reasons:

• Limited selection of LPs for sale
• Lack of wine bottles available for purchase
• Small number of book titles
• Unique indie-only stand with vinyl records

Customers have left varying reviews, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. While some were disappointed with the limited offerings, others appreciated the unique selection available. Check out Curbside Books, Records, and Wine for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.